Kristi & Jared

I went to high school with Kristi & Jared. I sat next to Kristi in our graphic design class and was also involved in an art organization with her. She's a very talented artist, so I was honored when she inquired as to whether I'd be interested in shooting their engagement portraits. Unequivocally, absolutely, yes! I shot these last June (good grief, time flies!). These were my very first engagement portraits, as well as my very first couples shoot. It was here that I determined that I really love having two people in front of my lens.

We started our shoot at Chestnut Square in McKinney; their wedding venue. I'd say we met "bright and early", but while it was decidedly early, the sun was hiding behind thick threatening rain clouds that day. It made for some very nice diffused light until the rain eventually cut our shoot short.

Here they are on the patio of the cute little chapel where they'll wed. In the middle of our current January cold snap, I'm yearning for that lush vegetation behind them.

These two crack me up. They were very excited about the Taylor House, as that's their surname, and surname-to-be.

There are period reenactors and the like at Chestnut Square. I believe this stump is maybe used for story telling. If it's not, it should be! It appears to be a comfy seat at the very least.

Also unlike my more recent shoots, Kristi & Jared didn't need to bundle up in many layers and boots. It was, after all, early summer in Texas, so Kristi could properly show off her sweet little rose tattoo.

This double-sided bench swing was serious fun, as Jared demonstrates. Sadly, I didn't get a turn.

Just begging for some "Chapel of Love" lyrics right here. Bells will ring, the sun will shine (whoa-whoa-whoa). Er, nevermind that it's a school bell and not a church bell.

I love Kristi's sweet and simple solitaire. It's very similar to mine with its kite setting.

We found an exposed light bulb on one patio which, lo and behold, turned on with a simple pull of a chain. I'm completely enamored with the glow it cast on them and their surroundings.

See? Cloudy skies are a-ok. The diffused light is beautiful. As are these two lovebirds.

Aww, pretty sure that's what we call love.

The infamous "they" say never to center your subject, but I can't resist a little intentional architectural symmetry. I like to think that light bulb is representing the good idea they had to get married, cartoon style.

The above is probably my favorite shot of that day. It gives me chills!

The reception house at Chestnut Square has a neat Texas-y door that I wanted to incorporate, but Jared was just too darn tall, so I made him squat down to Kristi's eye level. I think she liked the change in scenery.

I love that we decided to use their wedding venue for their engagement portraits. I can't wait to see photos of them in fancier attire with the same backdrops.

Racing the rain, we made our way a few blocks over to old downtown McKinney. It's a fun few blocks of antique shops, restaurants, boutiques, and quirky little alleys.

Here they are on the stoop of someone's shopfront. It was still very early and most of the shops don't open until the shopkeeper feels like making it into work, so there was no one around to chase us off.

We ducked down an alley and found this fun sign. In my head I read it as, "Kristi & Jared & other classy stuff." These two are definitely classy stuff.

Usually the guy just doesn't get his time in the limelight when it comes to photo shoots. There you go, Jared.

Aaand now you're free to go hide behind Kristi again.

As we were walking down an alley, we happened across an entrance into this bizarre courtyard absolutely covered in ivy (and trash and AC units and other exciting things).

I love the contrast of the natural and industrial backdrop.

Shooting through the ivy cast an interesting green tint here.

They seem happy to finally be released from the jungle of ivy and mud. I love the sense of movement as I caught them unawares here.

I can guarantee that I'll be using this alleyway door again. I love the colors, the texture, and truly everything about it.

Now if only I can remember which of the many alleys it lives in...

I think this is a very nice "mom" shot. Well, to be fair, the other versions I have where they're smiling bigger might make mom happier, but I'm not their mom and this is my blog. So there.

I think Kristi was pretty stoked about being taller than Jared. It's a rare and exciting occasion!

I want that clock back there in my own home. Actually, there are a lot of quirky things in downtown McKinney that I'd love to call my own. Like a giant statue of a chicken. And the staircase in this next photo.

Jared & Kristi, thanks for giving a newbie photographer a chance last summer. You helped me create some beautiful images at the very start of my dive into this crazy business, and I can't thank you enough for the boost to my portfolio, and for the boost to my confidence as well.

Your wedding is now fast approaching, and I wish you both all the best on your wedding day, and even more importantly, in your life beyond the vows.

-Mary